International documents that are originated in one country, but are intended for use in another country require embassy legalization to be recognized by the legal system of the foreign country.
Embassy legalization is the alternative method for authenticating a document that is utilized for countries that are Non-Hague Convention countries. These countries do not recognize the Apostille as a means to authenticating documents per the Hague Convention of 1961.
Embassy Legalization Services
We specialize in handling both the Embassy Legalization and Apostille process for our customers with speed and efficiency.
The process for Embassy Legalization is very much dependent on the type of document and specific requirements of the destination country.
We can very broadly outline the process through the three categories of documents and the procedure required for authentication:
The Embassy Legalization process for these type of documents includes processing your documents with the US Department of State Authentication Office here in Washington D.C. and the Embassy of the destination country. Please note, for personal documents like birth, marriage, death and divorce certificates, you must legalize your document with the Secretary of State in the State that your document was issued. If it is in DC, Maryland, or Virginia you may use our expedited services.
The Embassy Legalization process for these type of documents includes processing your documents with a local Notary (we offer mobile notary services in DC Maryland Virginia), certification by the appropriate Secretary of State (we can travel for you in DC, Maryland), the US Department of State Authentications Office in Washington DC, and the Embassy of the destination country.
The legalization/authentication process for Commercial/Shipping documents is variable based on destination country. This is primarily because some Apostille/Hague Convention countries require that you follow a separate legalization process with your shipping documents. On the other hand, for many countries, the legalization of documents is not required.